How to Use a Hyphen Correctly: Rules and Examples
Table of Contents
Hyphens may be small, but their impact on business writing is big. Used incorrectly, they can confuse readers, distort meaning, and undermine your credibility. Used well, they add clarity and precision. So, how do you use a hyphen correctly in business writing, and when is it best to leave it out?
This article explains how to use hyphens correctly, including when to use a hyphen in writing, how to use hyphens in a sentence, and the right way to use hyphens to enhance clarity. We’ll also explore hyphen's meaning, common errors, and best practices.
Louise Julig wrote a wonderful post about hyphens in her Thoughts Happen blog. Although business writing requires correct hyphenation, errors in hyphen use are a common mistake, as you'll see below.
This article explains how to use hyphens correctly, including when to use a hyphen in writing, how to use hyphens in a sentence, and the right way to use hyphens to enhance clarity. We’ll also explore hyphen's meaning, common errors, and best practices.
Louise Julig wrote a wonderful post about hyphens in her Thoughts Happen blog. Although business writing requires correct hyphenation, errors in hyphen use are a common mistake, as you'll see below.
She wore a purple wristband to remind her of her pledge not to complain. The problem? The bracelet omitted a needed hyphen, prompting Louise’s grammar complaint:
Argh! I just can’t stand it anymore! I’ve been doing this purple-bracelet “stop complaining” exercise for almost three weeks now (and am on my record 5th day of not complaining), but I can’t hold it in any longer because every time I look at the half inch of rubber encircling my wrist I want to gouge a little hyphen between “Complaint” and “Free.”
It’s “A Complaint-Free World,” people, not “A Complaint Free World”!
Oh, the irony of complaining about the “complaint free” bracelet. But really!
What is a hyphen?
A hyphen is a short punctuation mark (–) used to connect words or parts of words. It helps form compound terms, divide words at line breaks, and clarify meaning.
In business writing, the hyphen ensures clarity and accuracy by linking modifiers or avoiding ambiguity in compound words and numbers.
Difference between Hyphen and Dashes
Although they look similar, hyphens and dashes serve different purposes in writing:
A hyphen (-) connects words or parts of words, such as in "well-written report."
In contrast, dashes (– or —) indicate a break in thought or add emphasis, like this.
Hyphens are shorter and used within words, while dashes are longer and separate ideas or clauses.
How To Use a Hyphen Correctly
To use a hyphen correctly in business grammar, apply it to connect words that work together to modify a noun, called compound modifiers. For example, write “client-focused strategy,” not “client-focused strategy.” Use hyphens with certain prefixes (like “self-employed”), in numbers (twenty-five), and to avoid confusion (re-sign vs. resign).
Always check if the hyphen improves clarity. If it prevents ambiguity or misreading, it’s likely correct.
Baseline Hyphen Rule
Hyphens are very complicated punctuation marks, but here is a trustworthy baseline rule:
Hyphenate compound adjectives when they come before a noun, and don’t hyphenate them when they come after a noun.
Louise illustrated this rule nicely:
Why is this? Here’s my best explanation: hyphens group modifiers together for clarity. Say you have a red brick house. Is it a red house? Yes. Is it a brick house? Yes. Therefore, no hyphen is needed. However, what if you have a “gluten free recipe.” Is it a gluten recipe? No. Is it a free recipe? No. Therefore, a hyphen is needed to group the modifiers together so you know the recipe has no gluten. It’s a gluten-free recipe.
Why then do you not hyphenate after the noun, e.g. “the recipe is gluten free”? The temptation is to throw in extra hyphens just in case, e.g. “the recipe is gluten-free.” But it’s just as bad to over-hyphenate as to under-hyphenate, and it really isn’t necessary. Here’s why: when the modifier comes after the noun, it’s only modifying the one word immediately after it. So we ask ourselves, “What kind of ‘free’ is it?” and the answer is “gluten.” It’s gluten free.
Using Hyphens with Two Modifiers in a Sentence
A hyphen is used between two words that work together as a single adjective (a compound modifier) before a noun. This prevents confusion and ensures clarity in professional communication.
1. Use a Hyphen When the Two Modifiers Work as One Idea Before a Noun
When two words form a single descriptive unit before a noun, they should be hyphenated.
Correct Examples:
- The CEO gave a well-thought-out strategy presentation.
- We need a cost-effective solution for the project.
- Please submit a five-page report by Monday.
- Our team specializes in data-driven decision-making.
- She is leading a high-priority initiative.
Correct Examples: No Hyphen When the Modifiers Follow the Noun
- The strategy was well thought out by the CEO.
- The solution must be cost-effective for the project.
- The report should be five pages long.
- Our decisions are data-driven.
- This initiative is a high priority.
2. No Hyphen When the First Modifying Word Ends in “-ly”
Modifiers ending in “-ly” (typically adverbs) do not need a hyphen.
Correct Examples:
- She wrote a clearly defined company policy.
- The strategically placed ad boosted sales.
- He made a widely recognized contribution.
Incorrect Examples:
- She wrote a clearly defined company policy.
- The strategically placed ad boosted sales.
3. Hyphenate Modifying Numbers and Time Periods Before a Noun
Numbers and time-related terms should be hyphenated when they act as adjectives before a noun.
Correct Examples. The numbers and time periods come before the noun, so hyphens are needed:
- We scheduled a 30-minute meeting.
- The company signed a three-year contract.
- He delivered a five-point proposal.
Correct Examples. The numbers and time periods come after the noun, so hyphens are not needed:
- The meeting lasted 30 minutes.
- The contract is for three years.
- His proposal had five points.
Summary
- Use a hyphen when two words function as a single idea before a noun.
- Do not use a hyphen if the words appear after the noun.
- Do not hyphenate adverbs ending in "-ly."
- Hyphenate numbers and time-related terms before a noun.
Louise, thanks so much for breaking your complaint-free pledge to clarify this! I say you should gouge that little hyphen into your bracelet and wear it proudly!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When should I use a hyphen between words?
Use a hyphen between words when they function together as a single idea before a noun, known as a compound modifier, such as in “well-written report” or “high-risk investment.” You should also use a hyphen to avoid confusion (e.g., "re-cover" vs. "recover") and in some compound nouns and numbers. Knowing when to use a hyphen ensures clarity and precision in business writing.
Do I need a hyphen after “very” or adverbs ending in -ly?
No, you should not use a hyphen after "very" or adverbs ending in -ly. For example, “a very successful project” or “a highly skilled writer” do not require hyphens. These constructions are clear without a hyphen, and adding one would be incorrect.
Should I hyphenate numbers and ages?
Yes, hyphenate numbers when they’re part of a compound adjective, such as “a twenty-five-page report” or “a 30-year-old manager.” However, don’t hyphenate when the age or number stands alone, as in “The manager is 30 years old.” Using hyphens with numbers and ages is part of the correct use of hyphens in business writing.
Are hyphens needed in compound nouns?
Some compound nouns are hyphenated (e.g., “mother-in-law”), others are open (“real estate agent”), and some are closed (“bookstore”). There’s no single rule, so check a trusted dictionary or style guide. Understanding how to use a hyphen correctly helps ensure consistency and clarity in your writing.
Is it wrong to overuse hyphens?
Yes. Overusing hyphens can clutter your writing and confuse readers.
Use them only when they improve clarity or follow standard rules. The right way to use hyphens is sparingly and purposefully, especially in professional business documents.
A common overuse of hyphens is adding a hyphen to compound adjectives after the noun that they modify. It’s not needed after the noun. It’s only needed before the noun it modifies.
How can I know if a compound word needs a hyphen?
To determine if a compound word needs a hyphen, ask, does it come before a noun? Does it prevent ambiguity? Is it listed as hyphenated in a dictionary?
When in doubt, consult a style guide or use examples from trusted business sources. Learning how to use hyphens in a sentence correctly ensures your message is clear and professional.
Dive deep into business grammar, including hyphen rules, and write error-free documents every time.
Enroll in our online self-paced Proofreading & Grammar course that includes actual instructor feedback on your writing.
View Course & Outline
